What Is Digital Eye Strain - and Why So Many of Us Have It

From smartphones and laptops to tablets and desktop monitors, digital screens are a constant part of modern life. While technology has improved the way we work, communicate, and relax, it has also introduced a common and growing problem: digital eye strain. 

What Is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, refers to a group of eye- and vision-related symptoms that result from prolonged screen use. It isn’t a single condition, but rather a collection of issues caused by how our eyes function when viewing digital devices for extended periods of time.

Unlike reading printed text, viewing a screen requires your eyes to constantly refocus, track movement, and adjust to glare, contrast, and brightness. Over time, this visual demand can overwork the eye muscles and reduce comfort.

Common Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain can affect each person differently, but common symptoms include:

• Eye fatigue or soreness

• Dry, irritated, or watery eyes

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Headaches

• Neck, shoulder, or back discomfort

• Difficulty focusing after screen use

These symptoms often worsen the longer you use screens without breaks and may temporarily improve once you step away.

Why Digital Eye Strain Is So Common Today

Digital eye strain has become increasingly prevalent because of how much time we spend looking at screens. Many people use digital devices for work during the day and continue using them for entertainment in the evening. Several factors contribute to the rise of digital eye strain:

• Increased Screen Time: Remote work, online learning, streaming services, and social media have significantly increased daily screen exposure for both adults and children.

• Reduced Blinking: When staring at a screen, we blink less frequently than normal. This can cause tears to evaporate faster, leading to dry eye symptoms.

• Improper Viewing Distance and Posture: Screens that are too close, too far away, or positioned at the wrong height can place additional strain on the eyes and surrounding muscles.

• Uncorrected Vision Problems: Even mild nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can make digital viewing more difficult and increase eye strain if left uncorrected.

• Blue Light Exposure: Digital screens emit blue light, which may contribute to visual fatigue and discomfort, especially with prolonged use.

How to Reduce Digital Eye Strain

Simple adjustments can make a significant difference in reducing discomfort:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds

• Blink more frequently to keep eyes hydrated

• Adjust screen brightness and contrast to match your environment

• Position screens slightly below eye level and at a comfortable distance

• Use proper lighting to reduce glare

In many cases, specialized computer or blue-light-filtering lenses can also improve comfort during screen use.

When to See an Eye Doctor

If digital eye strain symptoms are frequent, worsening, or interfering with your daily routine, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Our eye doctor can identify underlying vision problems, assess how your eyes work together, and recommend solutions tailored to your screen habits.

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam at Highlands Optometry

Digital eye strain has become a common part of modern life, but it doesn’t have to be something you simply tolerate. Understanding what causes it - and how to manage it - can help protect your vision and improve everyday comfort. With proper eye care, adjustments to screen habits, and the right vision correction, relief is often well within reach.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain, contact Highlands Optometry to schedule your eye exam today. Visit our office in Bristol or Wise, Virginia. Please call (276) 466-4227 or (276) 679-5612, respectively, to book an appointment.